Meet John Russell of HAPEVILLE

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Russell.

Hi John, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Introduced to TARA in 1992-1994. My approach was initially like most others to seek relief from the pains of addiction.
For the educated variety abstinence was not enough. Soon realized the importance of servitude and this catapulted into more dedication. Through the years I found ways to be of assistance with many projects that TARA needed in renovations, group commitments, and office leadership. I became a treasurer in early 2000’s and then again prior to COVID. I was elected president in the last 6 years. Unfortunately it has all happened so fast. The need, lack of resources, education limitation, continued growth of mental illness, and a relentless growth of alcohol and drug dependency brings me to the what TALKING HEADS said in the 70’s. “How did I get here?”

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This is something I am much better talking about than writing. Working 80 hour weeks while managing a place where it requires 24 hour dedication. Cleaning floors in the early hours of the morning before work, managing rehab projects, taking phone calls day and night is normal. In a growing community with an agenda that probably does not see the importance of an icon such as TARA for almost 50 years is what I call in 2026 beyond challenging or just smooth.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have worked in transportation for over 30 years. The last 15 years in film production. Once you work in film at the capacity that I have been gifted to do, all realms of excitement and challenges are at the height of just “bring it”.
Avengers, Gaurdians of the Galaxy, Stranger Things, Hunger Games, Black Panther, Fast and Furious, and Superman just to mention a few. Construction, special effects, picture car production are a of the many avenues that raises the bar for any reference to profession. Honored to be in any conversation about such.
Nuff said…..

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
No matter what it is in life that is attempted to achieve. The key factor is you got to want it.
When starting out I didn’t know what I wanted. I found my passion just from being in a capitalist environment. One of the most important things in any venture in life is knowing what you want. If I do not know what I want I will end up with anything or be anywhere.
Example: Everyone should have a list of 10 things they want out of life. This list should be updated regular with details of cost and timelines. When making an approach to merge in any relationship. One should request the same from the counterpart. Thus, no two companies would ever merge with out a list of assets and liabilities. This is how pre arranged marriages work. Nabisco would not dare merge with General Mills without it.
Johnism 101

Pricing:

• $240

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
GABE LOPEZ